Bandipora, Oct 13: In a fitting climax to a month of passion, grit, and grassroots football, Meethu FC Sopore lifted the Maj Gopi Singh Rathore, Shaurya Chakra Memorial North Kashmir Football Premier League 2025 title after edging out Haiderbeigh FC Yadipora in a pulsating final by 3:1 at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, Bandipora, on Monday.
The grand finale drew a spirited crowd of over 3,000 spectators, with the stadium buzzing long before kickoff. As the final whistle blew, the venue erupted in chants, drums, and fireworks, marking the end of one of the largest and most prestigious football tournaments in North Kashmir.
The North Kashmir Football Premier League, conducted annually by the Bandipora Rashtriya Rifles in memory of Major Gopi Singh Rathore, Shaurya Chakra, has, over the past two decades, evolved into a cornerstone of youth sports in the region. This year’s edition saw record participation, with 60 teams from across North Kashmir competing in two phases, representing areas including Manasbal, Pohrupeth, Charkot, and Pattan.
Owing to the tournament’s growing popularity, matches were played in two phases to cover all of North Kashmir, with the best two teams from each sector qualifying for the knockout rounds. The event not only showcased the footballing talent of the region but also created a festive atmosphere of community spirit that united villages and towns around a shared love for the game.
The final match was graced by the General Officer Commanding, CIF Kilo Force Major General Vivek Narang, Commander 3 Sector RR Brigadier Himant Ponwar, Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib, Brigadier DIG Brigadier N.R Babu (Retd), Commanding Officer 27 Assam Rifles, Commanding Officer 14 Rashtriya Rifles, Additional Superintendent of Police Rohail Mircha, DySP Headquarter Lateef Khan, DYSp PC Athar Samad, DySP Vasu Aggarwal along with senior officials from the District Administration, J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, CISF, and several prominent sports personalities and community leaders.
Throughout the competition, players displayed remarkable skill, stamina, discipline, and sportsmanship, while the enthusiastic response from the public reaffirmed Bandipora’s reputation as the cradle of sports in Kashmir Valley.
Defence spokesperson said the tournament stands as a living tribute to Major Gopi Singh Rathore, Shaurya Chakra, a decorated officer of the Garhwal Rifles and later the Rashtriya Rifles, who made the supreme sacrifice in Bandipora on November 10, 2005, after neutralising a terrorist in close combat. Maj Rathore had also served as Aide-de-Camp to Presidents K.R. Narayanan and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and was remembered by Army officials as a soldier-scholar who deeply believed in youth engagement, sportsmanship, and social harmony.
Officials said Over the past month, the league transformed football grounds across North Kashmir into vibrant hubs of activity, drawing thousands of spectators daily. According to Army officials, the initiative aims to channelise the energy of youth, strengthen social bonds, and build lasting goodwill between the Army and local communities.
“The North Kashmir Football Premier League is not just about competition—it’s about nurturing dreams, fostering unity, and creating platforms for young talent,” said one of the organizers. “Every goal scored here is a goal for peace and progress.”
Locals echoed similar sentiments, saying the league had given young people an opportunity to reclaim public spaces through sports and to express hope, resilience, and community pride. Once known for its celebrated identities of Alim (education), Adab (culture), and Aab (water), Bandipora, residents say, is now embracing a fourth—Sports.
From Sopore to Kupwara and Baramulla to Bandipora, the month-long event became a rallying ground for unity and aspiration, turning football into a symbol of collective progress in North Kashmir.
The 2025 edition of the Maj Gopi Singh Rathore, Shaurya Chakra Memorial League will be remembered as a landmark celebration of sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and community spirit, paying a befitting tribute to the legacy of an officer who continues to inspire generations.
Comments are closed.